Cornerstone University said today President Joseph Stowell will finish his 11-year tenure in May 2019.

Stowell will then take the role of chancellor, in which he will fundraise and continue to publicly represent the school.

Cornerstone said its board has appointed a transition committee to "design a comprehensive process" for the "successful appointment of its next president."

“It has been, and will continue to be, one of my highest joys to watch our students flourish as they prepare to distinguish themselves in their careers and to be impassioned to influence their cultures for Christ and his kingdom,” Stowell said. “I share the community's excitement about a new season of growth under the leadership of our next president."

Under Stowell's leadership, Cornerstone University said it has restructured its academic leadership and added several new academic programs in response to the changing marketplace of vocational needs.

Over the past decade, the campus has seen more than $40 million in new buildings and improvements. The $15.5-million Jack and Mary De Witt Center for Science and Technology is also slated to open in January 2019.

"Our gratitude for Dr. Stowell's 10 years of leadership is immeasurable," said Carole Bos, board chair, Cornerstone University. "He has enriched the Cornerstone community and the West Michigan community in so many ways. We are delighted to have him continue his support of the ongoing success of Cornerstone University as chancellor."

Stowell career includes positions in higher education and church leadership, including 18 years as president of Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, and he has written several books.

Stowell has served on numerous civic boards and committees and currently co-chairs the 2018 Grand Rapids CityFest event with Doug DeVos.

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